{"id":608,"date":"2017-07-02T15:41:58","date_gmt":"2017-07-02T15:41:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/?p=608"},"modified":"2018-09-19T12:11:30","modified_gmt":"2018-09-19T12:11:30","slug":"reptile-and-amphibian-group-for-somerset","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/2017\/07\/02\/reptile-and-amphibian-group-for-somerset\/","title":{"rendered":"Reptile and Amphibian Group for Somerset"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"This quarter (April \u2013 June<\/span>\u00a02017<\/span>) we supported the Reptile and Amphibian Group for Somerset (RAGS) – Mendip Ponds Project<\/span>.<\/h4>\n

We supported\u00a0<\/span>Reptile and Amphibian Group for Somerset<\/a>, a small grassroots group dedicated to the conservation of reptiles and amphibians in the county. Originally set up by the Somerset Wildlife Trust as one of its specialist groups, RAGS now operates independently but works closely with the Trust on various projects. Most of their work involves surveying for reptiles and amphibians, keeping a database of records to map the distribution of reptiles and amphibians across Somerset and monitoring important populations regularly to react swiftly to emerging threats. They also provide advice to land owners and managers on the conservation of these animals and undertake practical conservation tasks such as scrub clearance and pond restoration.<\/p>\n

Our donation will contribute towards the restoration of a pond in the Mendip Hills. The Mendip Ponds Project aims to restore at least 14 Mendip ponds over the coming year, enabling crested newts to return to parts of the hills from which they have disappeared.<\/p>\n